Reggie Watts Did Not Prepare for This

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Reggie Watts Did Not Prepare for This

As someone who’s spent a significant portion of my life in the entertainment industry, I can’t help but be in awe of Trevor’s relentless drive and versatility. His experiences, from interviewing big names on The Late Late Show to performing stand-up comedy specials for various networks, are a testament to his passion and dedication to his craft.

Reggie Watts is taking a journey through time back to the 1990s, and he invites everyone to come along with him.

On July 20th, he will release his newest hour-long production, dating back to before the year 2000. This unique performance blends improv comedy with catchy musical numbers, creating an otherworldly experience according to Rolling Stone. Watts himself refers to it as a “temporal comedy special.” His girlfriend suggested the title “Never Mind” for it. You can watch this intriguing show on Veeps, a relatively new streaming platform affiliated with Live Nation Entertainment and founded by the Madden brothers in 2023, which recently introduced a comedy vertical.

During a Zoom call in July, Watts discussed candidly his latest hour-long project, his insufficient preparation, his encounter with Rick Rubin, his eight-year tenure as host and bandleader for “The Late Late Show with James Corden,” and the genuine reason he believes is hindering his productivity despite his willingness and ability to create more.

The setting of your story in the ’90s brought me back to nostalgic times, evoking a sense of fondness in me. I believe others will experience the same. Was this your intention while writing?

In simpler terms, I believe there was a hidden desire within me to imagine an altered past and act based on that, even if it wasn’t the primary motivation. It adds a touch of whimsy and allows for a more symbolic discussion of current events.

What was the initial conceit?

Instead of being fully prepared, I had an concept for a series of comedy specials set in specific years – one in 1983, another in 1976, and one in the ’90s. When given the chance to produce another comedy special, I considered if it was feasible, but unfortunately, it didn’t have the budget for the level of detail I desired. If given more resources, I would have approached it like a Hollywood film production, meticulously recreating each time period with accurate cameras and editing styles from that era. However, despite not having the full budget, I believe it still captures the essence of my vision.

What did you ultimately want to say with the hour?

Based on my own experiences, I can relate to the statement made. Throughout my life, I’ve found myself in situations where I didn’t prepare adequately, and as a result, I’ve missed out on important information or opportunities. The quote seems to touch upon a similar theme, with the speaker expressing uncertainty about a particular message due to their lack of preparation.

Does that “just wing it” approach ever get you in trouble? It sounds terrifying to me…

As someone who has spent years honing my craft and performing in various settings, I can confidently say that the thought of rehearsing can be a daunting prospect for me. With each new project comes a fresh set of plans and expectations, which I find it terrifying to try and remember verbatim. The pressure to get it right, to meet others’ expectations, almost immobilizes me.

It’s been almost ten years since you worked on The Late Late Show, which recently went off the air. I’m intrigued to know which aspects of that period you cherish and which ones you’re glad to be without.

Having spent over eight and a half years being a part of The Late Late Show with James Corden, I can confidently say that the length of my tenure was just right. Initially, when James asked me to join the team, he had only intended for it to last five years. However, we both knew deep down that the show’s potential went beyond that.

In simpler terms, I enjoyed the job immensely at first due to the generous compensation and opportunities for personal growth. I’ve always been fascinated by different cultures, so it was like an exciting adventure for me. However, towards the end, the routine became monotonous, and I missed the freedom to explore and be spontaneous as I used to be. Nevertheless, everything unfolded perfectly, providing me with valuable experiences and the chance to create a team of friends with stable income.

In simpler terms, how do you feel about late-night TV’s current situation? Sadly, Seth Meyers had to let go of his band members recently.

Yes, unfortunately, the band has disbanded. I’m curious to see how Fallon will handle this situation. It seems unlikely that he would part ways with The Roots since they play a significant role in the show. If he did, I believe the program might not survive. However, late-night television is undergoing major transformations at an astonishing pace. We exited “The Late Late Show” right before the peak, just in time to avoid being swept away by these changes.

I’m eager to know how that experience transformed your life. To put it differently, what new chances did it bring about for you?

In simpler terms, when people learn that I’m involved in television, they gain confidence in my abilities. My randomness and improvisational nature don’t deter them because they trust me to deliver. As long as I stay true to myself, working with me is a breeze, and the outcomes are always impressive and audience-pleasing.

Did that feel like it was in question before?

As someone who has spent years honing my craft as an improviser, I understand the importance of trust and certainty in our performances. People rely on us to create something new and exciting on the spot, and that requires a deep well of confidence and experience.

So, what else do you want to do?

Well, I definitely want to work for The Hollywood Reporter…

I was really impressed with how well you handled interviews on The Late Late Show. In fact, I find myself looking forward to imagining what intriguing questions you might ask next.

It’s likely that you have a preference for certain foods. For instance, could you tell me about your feelings towards oatmeal? I’ve heard it’s quite popular, but I’m curious to understand why that is.

Oh, absolutely.

In addition, I have a strong desire to create more content. This includes producing films, be it shorts or innovative concepts. I’m eager to explore the possibility of reviving that music show, perhaps collaborating with Rick Rubin and Eric Andre, or taking on a different format. Furthermore, I’d like to direct music videos and design interactive experiences for audiences. I’m also passionate about organizing unique live shows using advanced sound systems. These are areas I plan to discuss further with my management and agents, as I believe I have the capacity to produce multiple comedy specials each month or direct several music videos in a week. However, at present, there seem to be limited opportunities for me to channel this productivity, leaving me feeling somewhat stagnant and eager to collaborate.

You mean, from a distribution standpoint?

Certainly, producing and distributing a product requires financial resources. I understand your concerns; investing in something doesn’t assure success, and past experiences have taught us that not every investment bears fruit. It’s a risk, and one that comes with a significant financial commitment.

After putting in countless hours honing my craft for Comedy Central and Netflix, I found myself at a crossroads with my latest project. With a wealth of experience under my belt, I wanted to ensure that this production would reach its full potential and resonate with audiences far and wide.

As a seasoned actor with years of experience under my belt, I found it refreshing to be approached by Veeps for a special. Having worked with Bart Coleman, the head of comedy at Veeps, for quite some time, the opportunity to collaborate once again was an enjoyable prospect. Moreover, I resonated with the mission statement of Veeps as a streaming platform that live streams events.

So, you’re not getting $20 million like Chappelle?

Well, let me tell you, I’ve never been in the shoes of a successful comedian like Dave Chappelle. But from what I gather, it seems to me that despite his remarkable fortune, he feels undervalued in some way. He wonders aloud why he didn’t just keep a fraction of his earnings and give the rest away to those in need or deserving artists. To be honest, $20 million sounds like an enormous sum of money to me, someone who hasn’t had that kind of wealth. I guess it’s easy for me to say what I would have done, but from what I can tell, Chappelle did receive a fair compensation for his work on the special. Regardless, I admire his generosity and thoughtfulness towards others.

Do you walk away from your time onstage surprised by what played out?

In the ’90s, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Rick Rubin, a significant figure from that era, had attended my performance without my prior invitation. It was quite astonishing to see him there, given his influential role during that time. To some extent, his unexpected presence felt both surprising and expected, as he reminds me of how I might be perceived ten years from now. There’s a project we’ve been developing with Eric Andre, and Rick Rubin has agreed to produce it – it’s a music show similar to MTV’s “120 Minutes.”

I had the opportunity to meet with him in person to discuss the potential hosting gig for the show. To make that happen, we arranged a meeting at his Malibu residence. Upon arriving, I was led to a simple, technology-free room where we would have our conversation. We sat down and spent the next two hours sharing our passion for music.

How so?

His consideration and spontaneity, along with the depth of his wisdom, make him intriguing. I don’t believe he ponders as intensely as others assume. Those who share valuable insights often do so in real time. Observing him in the crowd, I wasn’t taken aback since if I were in his place and saw a promising young comedian, I would likely purchase a ticket as well.

Before I lose you, is there anything I have not asked that I should be asking?

In simpler terms, I’d like to make it clear that I support imperialism and am in favor of increased influence from corporations.

Yeah, of course. I get that from you.

Yeah. I mean, that is my thing. (Laughs)

I can certainly understand how your eight and a half year tenure at the big corporation brought you consistent paychecks that made life more comfortable.

Yeah, you’re right. And I loved it. (Laughs) So, I guess no, I don’t think there’s anything else.

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2024-07-19 18:55